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How to fix a slow computer

1. With older computers, or where you frequently update, add or remove programs (including Windows updates), you are likely to acquire Windows Registry errors. These errors slow the computer, sometimes severely, and may cause unexpected error messages. The PC  may even hang, where the computer freezes or crashes. It is helpful to conduct a routine Registry check, particularly on computers that are more than two years old. Registryfix provides a  free registry scan without obligation to use any of their software solutions. I have used the RegistryFix software for 4 years and scan my computer once a month with it, invariably finding numerous new Registry errors which it fixes automatically.
   
2. If  you find that your computer is still running slowly after dealing with Registry errors, particularly when you try to surf the net, you have probably acquired malicious spyware or adware. Tracking cookies, for example, are acquired almost everytime that you go online and if you are not regularly removing them, your surfing will slow to a very frustrating pace with constant reclicks to connect. Standard Antivirus software is not very good at removing all the spyware or adware that PCs typically acquire. Dedicated software to do this is available and you can get a free adware and spyware scan from Noadware without obligation to purchase their software. When I first scanned my PC with this, it picked up malicious software that (subscription) Norton Software and Yahoo's (free) antispyware had not.
   
3. If you have cleaned your registry and removed spyware and adware but  slow computer processing persists,  you may have too many programs that are running 'in the background'.  Open your list of 'All Programs' (from the 'start') menu. Check the contents of the 'start up' folder. Remove any programs that you don't need to have running all the time. Media players, for example, don't need to be on all the time.
4. If your PC is still slow, defragment your hard disk. This can take a few hours and should be performed every few months. (Access 'Accessories' menu and select 'system tools')
5. Check that your hard disk is not too full - programs need free memory as well as RAM. Aim for as much free disk space as possible, and certainly no less than 10MB. Consider removing unused programmes (and repeat a registry scan after removing them!)
6. If you have specific program(s) that seem to work particularly slowly, it is possible that these programs are working your PC at the extremes of its processing and RAM capability. You can often increase your RAM without needing to buy a new computer. Processor upgrades are also sometimes possible - check with your dealer.
   

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